Six month old barking at strangers

[Literallynoidea]

We have a really friendly, happy, bouncy terrier with no issues.

Recently however she has started barking at strangers we encounter on our walks.

Random women, and also toddlers. I think she is scared of them. For no reason I can think of as she hasn't had any bad experiences.

What do I do?

If I was you I would get help from a behaviourist registered with the aptd to nip this in the bud now before it becomes an established behaviour. It’s much easier to train out if it’s an early behaviour and you are shown how to reinforce the positive correctly. It’s all about timing!
It could be frustration or fear but I think it’s best to get the opinion of a professional rather than get it wrong

Also there’s a group on Facebook called dog training advice and support. Lots of great resources on this on that page!

We went through something similar, we consulted a behaviourist and the advice was to give pup a treat before he has chance to start barking but after he's seen the trigger. So as soon as he's spotted the stranger or toddler get his attention on you (look at me or just say his name) and give him something really tasty (eg. Roast chicken, hot dog) You can hold it in your hand so he can lick/nibble it and then release it to him once the triggers past. The idea is that they then associate scary thing=treat.

They do go through a fear stage around this time.

If your dog likes treats or a particular toy try the distraction method on walks.

My dog done this and it turns into aggression. Get help.

Hormonal, fear stage very normal but not nice. Keep socializing is the advice we've had. We get strangers who are up for it to give pup treats, he never barks at them again.